NEF concerned about retrenchments
The employers’ federation believes the recession, rather than the impact of Covid-19 lead to most retrenchments in Namibia.
Staff Reporter - The Namibian Employers’ Federation (NEF) yesterday urged not only its members, but all employers “to negotiate in good faith and to consider alternatives to retrenchments before decisions are made to lay off staff”.
The secretary general of the NEF, Daan Strauss, said following a High Court ruling in June, there are concerns that employers will use the decision as “having carte blanche to retrench workers at will, using the Covid-19 pandemic as an excuse to do so”.
The High Court last month ruled in favour of, among others, the NEF and ordered the labour regulations promulgated in various proclamations during Stages 1 and 2 of the State of Emergency as unconstitutional.
In a statement, Strauss said a recent survey showed that 30% of employers have retrenched staff or are thinking about it.
Many retrenchments cannot be ascribed to the Covid-19 pandemic, he said.
“Many employers who did retrench or are planning to, took up negotiations with unions and staff as a result of the country’s economic recession before the pandemic became evident,” he said.
Govt, unions
Strauss continued: “The NEF remains convinced that the majority of employers do not wilfully wish to lay off their staff and that the economic survival of business in these times remains the overriding concern.”
The NEF is “as concerned as anyone about the current retrenchments”, Strauss said, adding: “The long-term sustainability of enterprises and thus the long-term sustainability of the employment is of vital importance.”
The NEF “unequivocally” remains committed to the tripartite engagement platforms between itself, government and trade union federations to resolve labour matters in the “best interest of our economy and our people”, the statement read.
“More than ever before open dialogue, mutual respect, good faith, trust and understanding between all stakeholders are vital to recover the country’s economy,” Strauss said.
The NEF also urged all stakeholders to “work towards creating enabled labour through development, upskilling and reskilling to ensure that the demands of the market are met”.
The secretary general of the NEF, Daan Strauss, said following a High Court ruling in June, there are concerns that employers will use the decision as “having carte blanche to retrench workers at will, using the Covid-19 pandemic as an excuse to do so”.
The High Court last month ruled in favour of, among others, the NEF and ordered the labour regulations promulgated in various proclamations during Stages 1 and 2 of the State of Emergency as unconstitutional.
In a statement, Strauss said a recent survey showed that 30% of employers have retrenched staff or are thinking about it.
Many retrenchments cannot be ascribed to the Covid-19 pandemic, he said.
“Many employers who did retrench or are planning to, took up negotiations with unions and staff as a result of the country’s economic recession before the pandemic became evident,” he said.
Govt, unions
Strauss continued: “The NEF remains convinced that the majority of employers do not wilfully wish to lay off their staff and that the economic survival of business in these times remains the overriding concern.”
The NEF is “as concerned as anyone about the current retrenchments”, Strauss said, adding: “The long-term sustainability of enterprises and thus the long-term sustainability of the employment is of vital importance.”
The NEF “unequivocally” remains committed to the tripartite engagement platforms between itself, government and trade union federations to resolve labour matters in the “best interest of our economy and our people”, the statement read.
“More than ever before open dialogue, mutual respect, good faith, trust and understanding between all stakeholders are vital to recover the country’s economy,” Strauss said.
The NEF also urged all stakeholders to “work towards creating enabled labour through development, upskilling and reskilling to ensure that the demands of the market are met”.
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